Leah Jooste
Dubai,UAE
Summary
Accomplished professional with extensive expertise in, contract management, and human resources. Proven track record in managing company operations, client accounts, and vendor relationships. Adept at ensuring governmental and corporate compliance, regulatory adherence, and effective contract negotiation. Skilled in operational support, supply negotiation, and maintaining high standards of account management. Committed to leveraging skills to drive organisational success and achieve strategic goals.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
4033
4033
years of post-secondary education
Work History
LEGAL AND BUSINESS MANAGER
Plan b Professional Services Middle East
Dubai
02.2020 - 11.2024
- Company Overview: http://www.myplanb.ai/
- Managing a dynamic team split between the UK and UAE, with my role comprising of many facets in operating the business including:
- Commercial, consulting and employment contract drafting, review, negotiation and administration for both the Middle East Company and the Head Office in Scotland
- Client development, deal shaping, management and closure
- Cash Flow and payroll management of the Middle East Business
- Professional support to the Group CEO on Middle East commercial activities and external ventures
- Company Set Up, Group Medical and Company Insurance negotiation, administration and renewal
- Corporate license renewal for the Middle East within Free Zones and Mainland
- Onboarding of employees including Employment permits, Residency Visa applications and complex travel requirements
- Management of stakeholder expectations through regular engagement with Heads of various lines of business to address risks/issues and misalignment
- Administration of legal disputes and settlements to finality
- Creation and Administration of Corporate Policy documentation
- Human Resource management, including Pre-employment screening
- IR35 (UK tax legislation) Auditing and internal Management
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers for cost reductions.
- Implemented risk management strategies to minimise losses.
- Optimised resource allocation, maintaining a balanced operational cost structure.
- Conducted performance reviews to identify areas of improvement.
- Ensured compliance with regulations by conducting routine audits on operations procedures and processes.
- Coordinated cross-departmental communication for seamless execution of projects.
- Reviewed, drafted and negotiated various commercial contracts to protect company interests.
- Researched, interpreted and advised on laws for accurate legal guidance.
- Collaborated with external solicitors for successful litigation outcomes.
- Delivered training sessions on legal matters to increase staff knowledge and awareness.
- Oversaw risk management activities to minimise potential liabilities.
- Participated in negotiations with suppliers and partners, secured favourable terms.
- Provided support during audits which ensured regulatory compliance.
- Delivered comprehensive training sessions on compliance matters to staff, enhancing overall understanding and adherence to policies.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations, identified areas of improvement.
- Managed redundancy processes, minimised legal risks.
- Devised and implemented successful employee retention strategies, including improved exit interview and onboarding procedures.
- Thoroughly vetted employees' qualifications, licenses and certifications, including upcoming renewals.
REPRESENTATIVE
FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES
04.2019 - 01.2020
- Stepped into the role due to a family health emergency and to ensure business continuity and longevity
PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANT & CANDIDATE ATTORNEY
Adriaan Venter Attorneys
Pretoria, South Africa
01.2016 - 03.2019
- Joined this firm directly after completion of legal studies as a Candidate Attorney and thereafter as a Professional Assistant, post successful admission as an Attorney in the High Court
- Key areas of practice included:
- The application of motion and civil procedure in the High Courts of South Africa
- The preparation and drafting of legal opinions
- Preparation and drafting of notices, pleadings, and affidavits for High Court litigation
- Drafting of general and litigious letters
- Briefing of and consulting with Counsel and expert consultants
- Research on a broad variety of legal aspects, including research in respect of case law
- Drafting of authorising resolutions and powers of attorney for legal persona, pertaining to specific mandates, as well as resolutions and powers of attorney in general
- Municipal Planning- and Appeal Tribunal procedure
- Applications and oppositions of site and retail licences
- Applications and oppositions for the establishment of townships, rezoning of properties, consolidation and subdivision of land
- Opposition of Mining Operations, including EIA, Scoping and Licence Applications
- Majority of processes relating to Environmental Law
- Drafting of heads of argument for purposes of hearings before both Municipal Planning and Appeal Tribunals
- Pretoria
Education
History Of American Government and Politics -
C.W. Post Long Island University
New York, USAHistory Of American Women - undefined
C.W. Post Long Island University
New York, USABachelor Of Laws -
University of Pretoria
South Affrica 01.2012 - 12.2015
ADMITTED AS AN ATTORNEY -
High Court of Pretoria
Skills
- Legal Research & drafting
- Contract management
- Human Resources
- Company Operations
- Client account management
- Vendor management
- Governmental and Corporate Compliance
- Account management
- Operational support
- Regulatory compliance
- Supply negotiation
- Contract negotiation
Languages
English
Fluent
Afrikaans
Native
Timeline
LEGAL AND BUSINESS MANAGER
Plan b Professional Services Middle East
02.2020 - 11.2024
REPRESENTATIVE
FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES
04.2019 - 01.2020
PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANT & CANDIDATE ATTORNEY
Adriaan Venter Attorneys
01.2016 - 03.2019
Bachelor Of Laws -
University of Pretoria
01.2012 - 12.2015
History Of American Women - undefined
C.W. Post Long Island University
History Of American Government and Politics -
C.W. Post Long Island University
ADMITTED AS AN ATTORNEY -
High Court of Pretoria
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